Support Equipment

Catapult launch system

Also known as

Cata B
Cata launcher

The catapult launch system is a pneumatic fixed-wing UAV launcher associated with Threod Systems' Cata family and open reporting on Ukrainian Bober launches. Threod describes the Cata B as a trailer-mounted launcher for one-way effectors and target drones, while Business Insider and Defense Express show Ukrainian drones being launched from fixed ramps rather than conventional airstrips.

Catapult launch system, Catapult launcher for fixed-wing UAVs, Support Equipment

Image source: Cata B pneumatic launcher system

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: Estonia
Built by: Threod Systems
Type: Catapult launcher for fixed-wing UAVs
Unit cost: Reported contract value of £4,996,500 for the British Army ASGARD procurement package

UAV launcher portable wheeled

Specifications

Launch method: Pneumatic catapult launcher with off-road trailer mobility
Maximum takeoff weight: Up to 400 kg
Maximum launch speed: Up to 55 m/s
Crew: 2 trained operators
Deployment time: Ready for launch in under 3 minutes
Road speed: Maximum 90 km/h
Remote control: Wired 20 m or wireless 100 m

Launched UAVs

Open reporting links this launcher type to fixed-wing UAVs and one-way effectors that use a ramp or catapult takeoff instead of a runway.

Launched item

Item type

Launch evidence

Bober, Long-range one-way attack UAV / loitering munition, Aircraft & UAVs

Long-range one-way attack UAV

Business Insider described GUR footage of a Bober being launched from a fixed ramp, and Defense Express reported Ukrainian units using CATA launchers for long-range strike UAVs since 2022.

Sources: Ukraine has been catapulting drones to strike Russia's million-dollar air defenses deep behind battle lines, Ukraine Uses Estonian CATA Launchers to Strike russia: How Quickly Can Long-Range Strike UAVs Be Launched

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Used by Ukrainian units since 2022 and selected for British Army ASGARD one-way effector trials in 2026.
Used by: Ukrainian Armed Forces, British Army

Media

Catapult launch system Images

Catapult launch system, Catapult launcher for fixed-wing UAVs, Support Equipment - view 1 — Source: Cata B pneumatic launcher system

Catapult launch system, Catapult launcher for fixed-wing UAVs, Support Equipment - view 2 — Source: Cata B pneumatic launcher system

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Sources

Cata B pneumatic launcher systemPublisher: Threod Systems | Note: Supports the product identity, manufacturer background, launch specifications, trailer-mounted mobility, and image provenance for the Cata B launcher product page. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Threod Systems Cata Launcher Selected for British Army ASGARD One-Way Effector ProgrammePublisher: Threod Systems | Note: Supports the British Army ASGARD selection, the reported £4,996,500 procurement package value, operational use with one-way effectors, and the published launcher images on the announcement page. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Ukraine Uses Estonian CATA Launchers to Strike russia: How Quickly Can Long-Range Strike UAVs Be LaunchedPublisher: Defense Express | Note: Supports Ukrainian use of CATA launchers since 2022, the two-operator setup, the reported launch speed and deployment time, and the launcher image shown on the article page. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Ukraine has been catapulting drones to strike Russia's million-dollar air defenses deep behind battle linesPublisher: Business Insider | Note: Supports the Bober fixed-ramp launch context, the catapult-launch explanation, and the screenshot image showing a Bober being launched from a ramp. | Accessed: 2026-06-27